United Nations Scholarship Opportunities
The United Nations (UN) and its affiliated organizations offer several scholarship programs to support students and researchers from around the world, particularly those from developing countries. These scholarships aim to foster global talent and promote international cooperation in various fields.
Key UN Scholarship Programs
United Nations Scholarship; University Fellowships
The United Nations University (UNU) provides fellowships for postgraduate students and researchers. Notable opportunities include:
– Visiting PhD Fellowship: This program allows doctoral students to spend time at UNU institutes, collaborating with researchers and preparing papers for possible publication.
– United Nations Scholarship: Various UNU institutes offer scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs that typically include tuition waivers and financial support for outstanding students.
UNESCO Fellowships
UNESCO partners with other organizations to offer fellowships in various fields aimed at promoting education, science, and culture.
– For Women in Science Fellowships: This program supports young female researchers working on global challenges, providing funding and resources to advance their careers.
World Bank Scholarships
The World Bank Scholarships Program offers funding for graduate studies in development-related fields.
– Graduate Scholarship Programs: These programs support mid-career professionals from developing countries in pursuing advanced degrees that will enhance their skills and knowledge in development.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility criteria vary by program but often include:
– Citizenship of a developing country
– Demonstrated financial need
– Strong academic record
– Relevant work experience or research interests
Application processes typically involve submitting:
– Academic transcripts
– Letters of recommendation
– Research proposals or statements of purpose
– Proof of language proficiency
Tips for Applying
1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific goals and requirements of each scholarship program.
2. Highlight Relevance: Demonstrate how your background and goals align with the UN’s mission and the scholarship’s objectives.
3. Emphasize Impact: Explain how the scholarship will enable you to contribute to your field and home country.
4. Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is error-free and well-presented.
5. Meet Deadlines: Start the application process early to gather all required documents on time.
UN scholarships provide valuable opportunities for students to further their education and contribute to global development. By carefully preparing applications and aligning with the UN’s mission, aspiring scholars can increase their chances of securing these prestigious awards.
What are the eligibility criteria for the United Nations University scholarships
here are the key eligibility criteria for United Nations University scholarships:
General Eligibility
1. Citizenship of a developing country (as classified by DAAD or included in the OECD DAC list)
2. Demonstrated need for financial assistance
3. Strong academic record (typically a minimum GPA of 2.8 or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
4. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
5. English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL 600 PBT/100 IBT or IELTS 7.0)
Additional Requirements
– Professional experience: Some programs require at least 2 years of relevant work experience
– Age limit: Certain scholarships have age restrictions (e.g., under 35 years old)
– Not currently enrolled in other postgraduate programs
– Not a recipient of other concurrent scholarships
Program-Specific Criteria
For the Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship:
– Applicants must not be currently living in Japan under a working visa
– Demonstrated interest in the broader work of the United Nations
For the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program:
– Citizenship of an ADB borrowing member country
– Agreement to return to home country after completing studies
– Preference for those who have never studied abroad
Application Materials
Typically required documents include:
– Motivation letter
– Curriculum Vitae (CV)
– Letters of recommendation
– Academic transcripts and certificates
– Proof of language proficiency
– Proof of employment or internship experience (if applicable)
It’s important to note that eligibility criteria and application requirements may vary depending on the specific UNU program and scholarship. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines for their chosen program before applying.
What are the specific fields of study eligible for the UNU scholarships?
Based on the search results, the United Nations University (UNU) scholarships focus on the following specific fields of study:
1. Governance for Sustainable Development (GSD)
2. Biodiversity and Society (BDS)
3. Water & Resource Management (WRM)
4. Innovation & Education (IVE)
These thematic areas fall under the overarching theme of sustainability. Applicants are required to choose one of these thematic areas and propose relevant research to conduct at UNU-IAS (United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability).
The program builds on UNU’s research in sustainability and provides opportunities for students to engage in practical research projects alongside experts. While UNU does not require a particular field for an applicant’s bachelor’s degree, the chosen research topic should align with one of these thematic areas.
Some examples of eligible research topics within these fields include:
– Studying the impact of climate change on water access (under Water & Resource Management)
– Examining climate governance and its implementation (under Governance for Sustainable Development)
– Investigating biodiversity conservation strategies (under Biodiversity and Society)
– Exploring innovative educational approaches for sustainable development (under Innovation & Education)
The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to gain knowledge and skills relevant to addressing complex sustainability challenges.
How does the EPOS funding system work for the UNU scholarships
Here are the key points about how the EPOS funding system works for the UNU scholarships:
1. EPOS stands for “Entwicklungsbezogene Postgraduierten Studiengänge” (development-related postgraduate courses). It’s a funding scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) since 1987.
2. The UNU Joint Master’s Programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is part of the select group of international postgraduate programs that benefits from EPOS funding.
3. EPOS provides fully-funded scholarships to students from developing countries to study in Germany in development-related subjects.
4. The application process for EPOS scholarships is separate from the general application to the UNU program. Applicants must apply for both separately.
5. The EPOS scholarship application period typically runs from May 1st to June 1st each year.
6. Applicants must submit their EPOS scholarship applications through the uni-assist portal. There is an administrative fee for this.
7. To be eligible for EPOS funding, candidates must:
– Be from a developing country (as classified by DAAD)
– Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
– Have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with excellent grades
– Be fluent in English
– Demonstrate development-related motivation
8. The selection process for EPOS funding among shortlisted candidates takes place between February and April each year.
9. Being accepted into the UNU program does not guarantee receiving an EPOS scholarship. The two selection processes are separate.
10. The scholarships cover expenses directly related to the study program, including travel, living costs, and health insurance.
11. Candidates who don’t meet EPOS criteria or aren’t selected can still apply for other funding opportunities available in Germany.
This funding system allows UNU to offer fully-funded opportunities to qualified students from developing countries, supporting the program’s goals of promoting sustainable global development and internationalization.